Shiro Moriya’s sci-fi manga series, Astro Baby, is set to conclude with its next chapter, Chapter 43, on October 25th on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ platform. The announcement marks the end of a series that began in February 2024, attracting readers with its unique blend of science fiction and horror.
Publication Details and Series Run
Astro Baby debuted on Shonen Jump+’s website and app on February 2, 2024. Shueisha’s Manga Plus platform also simul-published the series in English, making it accessible to a global audience. VIZ Media has also licensed the series, with the first volume released in May 2025. The manga has been serialized bi-weekly.
The series is ending with Chapter 43, with the final chapter scheduled for release on October 25, 2025. While some fans have expressed enjoyment of the series, there are observations that the plot rushed towards its conclusion, potentially due to the mangaka’s health issues, which also led to an unexpected hiatus in September.
Thematic Elements and Plot Summary
Astro Baby is set in the remote town of North Hill, which has been quarantined due to a mysterious disease known as “Couper.” This affliction transforms infected individuals into cannibals. The story follows Billy, a young soldier who returns to his hometown six years after witnessing the initial outbreak, driven by his love for a woman named Eleanor.
The narrative introduces a significant twist with the arrival of another meteorite coinciding with the birth of Eleanor’s baby. The newborn, named Abby, possesses the extraordinary ability to speak, further complicating Billy’s efforts to protect the child and Eleanor, who begins to show symptoms of the Couper disease. The series explores themes of love, protection, and survival in a dystopian setting.
Shiro Moriya’s Previous Work
Prior to Astro Baby, Shiro Moriya was known for the dystopian thriller Soloist in a Cage ( Ori no Naka no Solist), which ran from 2018 to 2021. That series, praised for its detailed artwork, also experienced a sudden hiatus and an abrupt conclusion attributed to the creator’s health. Soloist in a Cage is available on Shueisha’s Manga Plus website and in print editions. Moriya’s distinctive art style, blending stylish character designs with occasional cartoonish elements, is a hallmark of both works.
